Q6. The Syrian issue has garnered much global attention. What does China think should be done to resolve this issue? How do you assess Russia's role on this issue?

Xi: The Syrian issue, now the most complicated and intractable hotspot in the Middle East, has inflicted untold hardships on the Syrian people and posed a grave challenge to regional and global peace and stability.

China's position on the issue is consistent. We maintain that the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria should be upheld and respected, that the future of Syria should be decided by the Syrian people on their own, and that political settlement is the only viable way out. It is our sincere hope that the Syrian issue will be properly resolved as soon as possible, and that the Syrian people will regain long-hoped peace, return to their homeland and start reconstruction at an early date.

Recent months have seen some positive developments on the Syrian issue. At the Astana talks, an MOU was signed on creating de-escalation zones in Syria. The UN-brokered Geneva peace talks continue to move forward. China believes that, under the current circumstances, the international community needs to lock in the hard-won momentum of political settlement, support the United Nations in playing its role as the main channel for mediation and encourage the Syrian government and the opposition to engage in consultation with good faith and patience for a political solution that accommodates the legitimate concerns of all sides. There is also need for various parties to enhance coordination for greater synergy in fighting terrorism within Syria under international law.

China commends Russia for its important and positive influence and role in facilitating a proper settlement of the Syrian issue.